Wednesday, June 5, 2024

When You've got Nothing


I was going to say, "I've got nothing for this month. I'm just checking in to say hi and hope everyone is well." But then that gave me inspiration. What do you do when you have nothing, when you're empty of inspiration, when no words are coming?

Sometimes having nothing is inspiration in the waiting. If we stop with nothing, then that's all we'll end up with. But if we sit down and just start to type or handwrite or talk or whatever is your thing, then something starts to happen. When you have nothing, it's ok to write gibberish. The act of recording words, random thoughts, vignettes, can be all it takes to kick start a new story, a new chapter, something.

Sometimes when we have nothing, there's a reason. Life is tough, time is short, and you need to focus elsewhere. And that's ok. Necessary, even. It's important to be kind to yourself and not stress too much over the fact you might not be currently writing up a storm. 

Sometimes having nothing means you need to get out there and fill up your creativity well. Life is inspiration. Get out and live a little. Do something different, something scary, something adventurous. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. Play a game. Read a book you wouldn't normally pick. Say hi to a friend.

Now that's all I've got... and that too is ok.

What do you do when inspiration is low?



This post was written for the IWSG. Every first Wednesday of the month, members post on their blogs about their writing insecurities or offer some encouragement to others. If you are new to the IWSG or want to learn more, then please go HERE.

13 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

You had far more than you thought!
Getting out there and living is the best inspiration and cure for nothing.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I agree with you that sometimes we have nothing to write because we have other areas of life to focus on. Or we may need a break. I like that you're not stressed out about it.

Liza said...

You had a lot there! All of it true. When I have nothing I sit down and type whatever comes to mind. Twice in the last ten years doing so led me to the ideas for novels. It's also good to just take a walk! Let your brain percolate. Something will come.

H. R. Sinclair said...

It's amazing that the act of doing, whether you've got something or not, still produces.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I've a lot of other things to focus on right now.

Nick Wilford said...

Great points. We all need to refill the well at some point.

Joyana Peters said...

You definitely said a lot there and are true to pulling from the empty wells to hit a stream. Thanks for sharing! Happy IWSG Day!

Fundy Blue said...

Hi, Lynda! What you said about being kind to yourself is so important, especially when you're depleted or overwhelmed with too much to do. Enjoy IWSG Day! May you find lots of inspiration!

Tyrean Martinson said...

That's wonderful and is certainly something. :)

cleemckenzie said...

I really understand having nothing, and I loved what you said about there being a reason when this happens. Filling up the "creativity well" is just as important as writing.

Thanks for writing this, Lynda.


https://cleemckenziebooks.substack.com/p/welcoming-june

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Lynda - I seem to be in that mode a great deal of the time ... the brain constantly mulling - I do what I need to do ... and get round to things like posting eventually! Cheers Hilary

Fundy Blue said...

Happy IWSG Day, Lynda! I hope all is well with you. Happy creating in July!

cleemckenzie said...

It's the human things, the simple ones that make for a great day and add up to a good life. I'm glad you found something to say today.